Search our quarter-million Q&As

Home of the finishing HOTLINE since 1989

-----

Painting Brass Lamps

I just read the letter about refinishing a brass lamp, but what I need to know is what process & what type of paint I need to use to paint a brass lamp that has rust spots on it. Thank you for your help.

Patricia Johnson Humphrey
- Amarillo, Texas, United States
2003

I am not sure what you want me to say. I am trying to find out what to use to paint a brass lamp which has rust spots on it. Thank you

Patricia Johnson Humphrey
- Amarillo, Texas
2003

---

Brass doesn't rust, so what you probably have is a steel lamp that was brass plated. As the brass wears, the steel becomes exposed and starts to rust.

You cannot repair the brass plating yourself, although you could send this lamp out for replating if you cherish it. If you just want to paint it, it doesn't matter too much what paint you use. Any of the spray cans of paint you find in your hardware store should work. But you might consider something like Rustoleum American Accents [affil link] line, a series of fancy paints intended to simulate brass, leather, stone, various patinas, etc.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2003

---

2003

I am seeing this after my letter to you,
THANKS for the info !

CHEERS

Jan Scofield
- Woodstock, GA USA

I'm not really cleared with what you want here.

Bolum Mike
Foundry Works - Enugu, Nigeria
2006

Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.

---

---